SAMPLE POSITION DESCRIPTION – PROJECT SCIENTIST
(Assistant, Associate, Full)
APM 311
NATURE AND PURPOSE
(The following general statement describes the role of a Project Scientist. It should be included in any position description.)
the Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc.), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
(Specific responsibilities associated with the particular appointment and subject matter area should be developed using the following list of general responsibilities associated with the Project Scientist position. A sample statement is included under each general responsibility.)
1)RESEARCH (XX%)
Research activity (xx%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of ____. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases the candidate may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. [DETAILS OF THE SPECIFIC RESEARCH TOPIC AREA SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS APPROPRIATE.]
Publication (xx%)
The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (xx%)
The candidate will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.
2)PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (XX%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field of ______and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups.
When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.
3)UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (XX%)
(This category is encouraged but not required. It may be included or omitted at the option of the individual department or other unit. If included, it will be considered a clear expectation for the position, and the candidate will be given due credit for these activities during the review process.)
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies.
The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.
Project Scientist Date
Department Chair Date